Is Winona Ryder really feuding with Priah Ferguson? The Stranger Things gossip taking over social media, explained

A bizarre rumour has been making the rounds on social media, claiming a feud between Winona Ryder and her Stranger Things co-star, Priah Ferguson. Social media users suggested that Ryder was unhappy with Ferguson, insisting she should film fewer scenes due to the Instagram posts Ferguson shares, which some described as “too revealing.” But the truth, according to Ferguson herself, couldn’t be further from the speculation.



Priah Ferguson, who plays Erica Sinclair in the hit Netflix series, has taken to Instagram and TikTok to set the record straight. At 19, the rising star is used to the occasional online drama, but she felt compelled to respond this time. “This is not true! Winona is one of the kindest people I’ve met,” she wrote under a viral post spreading the false claim. She urged fans to leave Ryder alone, explaining that the clips circulating online had been heavily edited and taken out of context.



Priah Ferguson has addressed the source of the viral misinformation, explaining that the clips circulating online were taken from a completely unrelated interview. In that original footage, she was discussing her emotions following her very first acting audition, not her experiences on the set of Stranger Things. “I don’t like when people create false narratives to have someone innocent get dragged or bashed,” Ferguson wrote on her Instagram story, highlighting her frustration with how the clips were manipulated.



Fans who paid attention during press tours may have noticed Ferguson’s calm and professional demeanour, which further disproves any notion of tension with Winona Ryder. Ferguson went on to praise Ryder, describing her as “supportive and professional” throughout filming. She stressed that online rumours can easily distort the truth and urged audiences to verify facts before sharing or believing sensationalised claims. Ferguson’s thoughtful response not only clears her own name but also defends Ryder from unfair criticism, showing maturity and poise well beyond her years.



The series continues to be a global sensation, with Stranger Things 5 now available on Netflix. Amid the buzz surrounding the new season, it’s perhaps unsurprising that social media users would jump to sensational conclusions. Ferguson’s response, however, serves as a timely reminder that much of what goes viral is not necessarily true.



By addressing the rumours directly, Priah Ferguson has protected both her own reputation and that of Winona Ryder, demonstrating maturity well beyond her years. For viewers and fans of the series, the focus remains on the thrilling adventures of Hawkins’ residents rather than fabricated drama behind the scenes.